India is one of the prominent markets for Apple Inc. Apple CEO Tim Cook is making it a point to leave no stone unturned to make use of the country’s entrepreneurial iOS development communities.

Apple has just announced an app design and development accelerator to be launched in India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore. The center is supposed to offer assistance to local app developers in improving their iOS software, providing one-on-one app review. The development center is expected to open by the start of next year.

“India is home to one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial iOS development communities in the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “With the opening of this new facility in Bengaluru, we’re giving developers access to tools which will help them create innovative apps for customers around the world.”

In his maiden trip to India, Mr. Cook may have other business in the country as well. It is still vague if the company is intending to unveil a development center for its mapping services in Hyderabad or not. But the company had invested $25 million in a Hyderabad facility for 4,500 employees, earlier this year.

“Apple’s investment in Bengaluru through its iOS Development Accelerator will have far-reaching effects for the area’s rapidly growing and highly talented developer community,” said NASSCOM President R Chandrashekhar. “The skills and training they gain through this effort will significantly improve their app design and help them reach a broader market. Initiatives like these move the country forward in our efforts to advance a growth-led and sustainable technology sector.”

Key Takeaways:

• The center is to offer assistance to local app developers in improving their iOS software, providing one-on-one app review.
• The app development center is expected to open by the start of the year 2017.
• It is still vague if the company is intending to unveil a development center for its mapping services in Hyderabad or not.